Olivier Giroud says France are willing to die to secure World Cup qualification

French national football team forward Olivier Giroud gives a press conference in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, outside Paris, on November 17, 2013 following his team’s November 15 defeat during the first-leg World Cup 2014 qualifying play-off against Ukraine

France and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud says he and his French teammates are “ready to die” in their efforts to ensure a place in the World Cup finals for their country.

The French suffered a deflating 2-0 loss to Ukraine away in Kiev in the first leg of their World Cup playoff encounter and now have their work cut out as they return to France for the second leg.

The defeat also ended with a sour note as defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off during the game, meaning he will miss the home leg. But Giroud is confident, that despite his Arsenal teammates’ absence, France have what it takes to make a comeback.

“We are ready to die on the field to get there,” he told reporters.

“We want to show the French people and to ourselves that we are proud to represent France. We want to make proud all the people who love us and support us.”

“I am offended [with the first-leg display]. I want to redeem myself. Like all my team-mates, I guess.”

“They will give us exactly the same treatment on Tuesday. We won’t be surprised. They are going to hit us hard.”

“We want to do better, to make history. It is a matter of pride. We’ll do it, I firmly believe. Today, I still can’t grasp the idea of France not going to Brazil.”

Giroud has been prolific for Arsenal this season, scoring 8 times in 18 appearances, but has struggled with the national side.

But ahead of the crunch return leg, the powerful striker said he is ready to up his game as required.

“We must find the right balance, to continue to play our game,” he added.

“This is not easy because there will be a lot of tension, a lot of stress. This is the game of the year.”